Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit … (1 Corinthians 12:7-8)

Remember the lines of the Scarecrow’s song?

I could while away the hours,
Conferrin' with the flowers,
Consultin' with the rain.
And my head I'd be scratchin'
While my thoughts were busy hatchin'
If I only had a brain.
I'd unravel every riddle
For any individ'le
In trouble or in pain.
--Scarecrow, The Wizard of Oz

If he only had a brain, he’d unravel every riddle for any individ’le in trouble or in pain.

I really believe that for the most part, people who spend time learning and finding ways to apply the knowledge they gain, do so for the greater good. Sure, there are those who can’t find their way out of the ivory tower once they get there, but most high-minded thinkers are attempting to solve problems and gain understanding so the world will be a better place.

The Spirit is made manifest in each person in different ways for one reason … the common good. Musicians have to share their music. Visual artists have to share their art. Authors have to share their words. Actors have to share their talent. People expose their inner souls so that the world is a better place.

Scientists, doctors, engineers, designers … you name it … they all have a desire to share their ideas, thoughts, and inventions in order to make things better for themselves and for others. When I consider the great advances in prosthetic technology, I get overwhelmed. These things are generally designed for someone other than the designer him or herself. They see a need and creativity begins whirling in their mind until they leap to the solution

This is what excites me about knowledge. It is never a selfish thing. Knowledge explodes out of people so that it can be shared. The more we share it, the more cooperative effort occurs to make it grow.

The scarecrow had it right. While he would have great fun contemplating esoteric things, when he came right down to it, solving riddles for individ’les in trouble or in pain was awfully important to him.